How much to spend on a decently good phono stage?


I've gotten some feedback (and read comments elsewhere too) that suggests that the sub-$500 phono stages leave something to be desired. For a system with fairly high end components (Pass/ARC/Cary/B&W) but with a modestly priced turntable (say $1000) how much should a person spend on a phono stage?

I've learned that some you really prefer specifics, so let me just throw a few models out there at different price points for your recommendations.

1. $400 (Pro-Ject Debut Carbon)
2. $900-1000 (Rega RP3)
3. $1500-2000 (ClearAudio Concept / Rega RP6 / VPI Traveler)
abrew19
The phono stage is usually the weakest link in the analogue chain. If you've got a reasonably decent cartridge then the answer is "as much as you can afford", because the sound will only be as good as the phono stage regardless of how good a cartridge you have.

Generally you can get more bang for your buck looking at SS phono stages, but IMO the real magic comes from a good tubed phono stage (but they tend to cost more).
$1749 is all you need to spend :-)

Liberty B2B-1, from its maker

Good Listening

Peter
An Allnic H-1200(tube) or a Linn Linto(ss)is a good starting point for a serious phono stage. $1K will get you a minty one on the used market.